M.A. in Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies in Israel

 

 

Oil, pyramids, protesters and camels are some of the most popular associations with the Middle East. The war on terror and Arab Spring news coverage together with Hollywood movies such as The Mummy and Indiana Jones create a partial and somewhat unrealistic picture of this section of the world.

 

If you would like to have a better understanding and profound insights into what's really going on, what a better way of doing so than to study in the Middle East itself? You can find international MA programs in Israel dedicated to the Islamic world and to its lands, countries and societies.

 

 

The programs cover the history of the region and its politics up to present times. Also, you will learn and find out how religion, culture and art have conveyed the values and beliefs of Middle Eastern people throughout the ages. While the courses are in English, all students must take several courses in Arabic; proficiency in literary Arabic is a must. Students are expected to study modern and classical texts in this language.

 

The tracks also include field trips around Israel in which students visit Arabic cities and villages. The tracks may include trips to other countries in the Middle East: Egypt, Jordan or Turkey.

 

 

In addition to classes in Arabic, the programs may include the following courses:

 

* Religion and History in Medieval Times

* Iran's Struggle for Modernity

* Terrorism, Guerilla Warfare and Insurgency Ideologies

* Tribes and Tribalism in the Arab World

* The Arab Spring

* The Arab-Israeli Conflict

* Gender and Sex in Islamic Society

* The Sunni-Shi'a Rift

 

 

 

International MA programs in Middle Eastern studies are designed to be completed in one year (three semesters). However, students may choose to ease the load of courses by taking an extra semester. If students wish to write a thesis, they will have to study an additional semester.

 

 

Since the program is in English, candidates who did not complete their undergraduate studies in an English speaking country, must pass an English proficiency test. Candidates must have completed their undergraduate studies with a GPA of 80 (3.0) or above. Also, they must submit letters of recommendation and a personal essay.

 

The programs are open to students who have prior knowledge of the Middle East or Islamic culture. In case they do not have such background they will be required to take several extra courses.

 

 

Tuition fees are approx. $15,000 - $18,000 for the entire program (three semesters). The sum does not include the courses in Arabic or an additional semester in case of writing a thesis. The costs of the field trips are also not included.

 

 

Bar Ilan University (Ramat Gan) - Bar Ilan university (BIU) offers an M.A. in Middle Eastern Religion and Politics, this track is conducted online and open to both Israeli students and international students from around the globe.

 

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem – offers the Islamic and Middle Eastern Studies track. The university is very popular due to its fantastic location. No other city in Israel includes so many historical and religious sites!

 

Tel Aviv University – offers a one-year track. Students must take classes in one (or more) of the following languages: Hebrew, Arabic or Turkish. TAU takes pride in its vast extracurricular activities that include internships and volunteer work, film screenings and, of course, field trips.